Copyright: Marshall Hall - Interactive Outdoors, Inc.
Castle lake is located close to the base of the summit trail to Castle peak. It is covered with ice and snow throughout the year.
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There is often snow on the road well into July. The lower section
of the road receives heavy use, especially on the weekends. This
road is very rugged, and in some sections is located in a stream.
It climbs well above the timberline and continues for a mile or
so, through fields of rocks tinted with a lichen of various colors.
This road was built to serve the Montezuma Mine and debris
from the operation of the mine may be seen along the way.
The first 1/2 mile is fairly level, then begins to climb. There
are some steep uphill sections and at the 1 1/2 mile mark there
is a foot bridge. At the bridge you will need to cross the stream.
The road continues to climb through spruce groves crossing a
vehicle bridge and immediately becoming steeper and more
rugged. Three miles up the road, the Mace cabin is passed on
the right. Shortly thereafter, a number of parking areas are
available and often used by climbers as the road becomes
significantly more difficult past this point. The road crosses a
stream with a waterfall on the uphill side. The next switchback
is extremely difficult and numerous vehicles have been high-
centering on it's rocks. A quarter mile past the cabin the road to
Pearl Pass forks steeply to the left. Keeping
right, the road soon climbs some steep, continuous switchbacks.
The road is very narrow and rugged in some areas. The
switchback right below the mine requires one to back up towards
empty air in order to get around it and should only be attempted
by expert drivers. The road ends at the parking area for Castle
Peak. Right before the parking area is a very narrow and tilted
section of road that is not for the faint of heart or for the
inexperienced driver.
Directions from Aspen: Travel west from Aspen 1/2 mile on Highway 82 At the roundabout, turn onto Castle Creek Road. Travel 13.5 miles on Castle Creek Road (2 miles past Ashcroft) to the intersection with the 4WD Pearl Pass Road #102. There is a small parking area at the junction.
Seasonal Information:
Normally Accessible:
July through September
(NOTE: Snow may obstruct the road at high elevations.)
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